Richard C. "Dick" Rost, Janesville, WI (1929-2014)

Richard C. “Dick” Rost, age 84, of Janesville, died Saturday, March 15, 2014, at Agrace HospiceCare, Fitchburg. He was born in Janesville, on June 26, 1929, the son of Ernest and Bess (Allen) Rost. Dick attended the University of Iowa for two years and then transferred to the University of Colorado, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1951. While attending Colorado, he was a “walk-on” to the golf team, and during his senior year, he played as the #2 player on the Varsity team. Upon graduation, he returned to Janesville, and began working with his father at E.W. Rost and Son. Dick married E. Joann Cook on Feb. 6, 1954, in Marinette, WI. The Rost business has been in continuous operation since 1925. Started as sign painting, retail paint and supplies with wallpaper and draperies, Dick helped to incorporate furniture, carpeting, and home furnishings as well as bring a commercial side to the business. Dick maintained clients right up to his entrance into hospice just a couple weeks ago, operating through Interiors on Milwaukee St. He designed home interiors all across the country, working with his many Janesville connections. Dick was a charter member of ASID (American Society of Interior Designers), a 50-year member of the Toast and Jelly Breakfast Club, a proud 77-year member of the Janesville Country Club where he was a two-time Club champion, a former Board member of the Janesville Chamber of Commerce and a member of First Congregational Church. Often involved in downtown redevelopment projects, Dick helped to implement a tree planting program for the downtown area. He was also an avid downhill skier for over 50 years.

Dick is survived by his wife, Joann; three children: Stephen (Joan) Rost of Woodstock, IL, Richard Rost, Jr. of Denver, CO, and Kristen Rost of Madison; and five grandchildren: Nicholas Price of Portland, OR, Owen, Oliver, Isabel, and Ellis (E.W.) Rost, all of Woodstock. Dick was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, William who died in World War II; as well as first cousins, Franklin and Allen Ludden.

Visitation will take place from 4 until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2014, at the SCHNEIDER APFEL SCHNEIDER & SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORY, Janesville. Private family services will be held Thursday and burial will follow in Milton Lawns Memorial Park. For on-line guestbook and condolences: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com